Florene Elizabeth (Betty) Mead (96) Passed away peacefully on April 1, 2017. She is survived by five children, nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren as well as many close relatives that loved her. Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday April 3rd at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Viewing is available at Fitzgerald's Southwood Colonial Chapel Tuesday April 4th from 5:00 to 7:00pm followed by a Rosary.
Born on February 3, 1921 in Beggs, Oklahoma, she was the first born of four children of Eva Mae and Martin Davis (Pete) McAnally. When she was 6 years old they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she where she proved herself to be a bright girl who worked hard and graduated early from Central High school. She married Robert Franklyn Mead in 1941. They had five children, Eleanor Peyton, Robert Mead, Sandra Mead, Marcia Funk and David Mead. Among them they produced nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
Betty loved her family unquestionably, but her crafts took a close second. She worked hard to help provide for both at Skelly/Getty/Texaco Oil Company as an accounts payable clerk. She retired from Texaco in 1987. Betty was a very creative person that was always busy working with her hands. One thing that always defined her was a desire to create. It could be a painting, a knitted sweater or a ceramic figure fashioned with incredible detail, but she was always creating something. She continually worked at learning how to do something new, or a better way to do it. If she was shopping and saw something she liked, instead of buying, she would say, "I could make that", then start planning how to make it. A trait she passed on to her children, and grandchildren whom are all creative in their own ways.
As much as she loved her crafts, there was never a doubt that family came first. Nothing made her happier than to offer her assistance to any family member. No matter what it was she tried to find a solution to your problem, and if it is within her means to help, she would. Every Holiday was a special occasion, and she made them special. Christmas was her favorite and she would plan months in advance making lists of the family and checking off each name as she completed making or buying a gift. Every person was special to her and no matter whom, she had them covered. She never gave up wanting to do something for everyone. The most amazing thing about her was the simple fact she never gave up. She lived to be 96 years old, but she persevered with the optimism that she could still help her family. The hardest thing to accept for her, as her health deteriorated, was that she could no longer work with her hands to do the things she loved, for the people she loved.
Betty has now gone home, and with God's grace, she will continue to take care of those family members that preceded her in Heaven. We know she will be looking down on us doing her part.
We love you Mom.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500